Chiedza Mhende, professionally known as Chi Mhende, ranks among Southern Africa’s leading Zimbabwean actresses, directors, and voice artists. She rose to fame portraying Wandile Radebe in the iconic soap opera Generations: The Legacy. Her diverse talents span theatre, screen, and audio production, marking her as a versatile force in African entertainment.
Personal Profile
| Full Name | Charlene Chiedza Kudzai Mhende |
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| State of Origin | Zimbabwe |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Actress, Director, Voice Artist |
| Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 – $1 million |
Early Life and Education
Chi Mhende grew up in Zimbabwe, discovering her love for drama at age seven through her school’s drama club at an all-girls Catholic institution. She initially dreamed of becoming a doctor but shifted focus to performing arts as her passion grew. At 15, she moved to Cape Town, South Africa, in 2006 to attend AFDA, where she earned a BA in Live Performance and won Best Actress in 2008.
Career
Chi Mhende launched her professional theatre career in 2010 with Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, followed by roles in Shakespearean works like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and contemporary plays such as The Quiet Violence of Dreams.
Her television breakthrough came in 2015 as Wandile Radebe in Generations: The Legacy, a transgender character that marked a milestone in African TV. She has since appeared in Netflix’s Queen Sono, Blood & Water, and films like Love the One You Love, while also directing and providing voice work for radio and documentaries.
Mhende deepened her theatre presence through productions like Taming of the Shrew, Richard III, Othello, and Volpone, often performing at major festivals including Grahamstown National Arts Festival.
She trained in drama therapy with groups like Bonfire Improv Theatre Company, blending performance with community healing initiatives. By 2017, she starred in family-oriented shows like Pinocchio as Pussy Galore the Cat and took on directing roles, starting with multicam training on Generations under veteran mentors.
Her voice career thrives with narration for Al Jazeera’s Lifelines series, Siyaya: Come Wild with Us, and station voicing for 702, Cape Talk, and Fine Music Radio.
Recent directing projects and ambassadorships, such as with Dramatic Need charity, highlight her evolution into production leadership. Ongoing work in animated series like Supa Team 4 and Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire expands her reach into global streaming platforms.
Personal Life
Chi Mhende keeps her private life guarded, separating it from her public career. She remains unmarried, with unconfirmed rumors of dating actor Andile Nebulale. She has shared experiences of childhood trauma publicly to raise awareness and honors her late grandmother, Gogo Mhende, while advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and human rights issues.
Net Worth
Chi Mhende’s net worth falls between $500,000 and $1 million, driven by long-term soap opera contracts, Netflix series pay, international film festivals, theatre runs, voice-over gigs, and directing fees. Multiple income streams from South African and Zimbabwean projects, plus endorsements and charity ambassadorships, sustain her financial standing as a mid-tier industry veteran.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Character/Role | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Evil in Our Midst | Cynthia | Television |
| 2010 | The Tunnel | Monica | Short Film |
| 2013 | Mad Dogs | Barmaid | TV Series |
| 2014 | Love the One You Love | Terri | Feature Film |
| 2014 | Homeland | Aide | TV Series |
| 2014 | Scribblings | Viva | Short Film |
| 2014 | Bridging Waters | Narrator | Documentary |
| 2015 | Generations | Wandile Radebe | TV Series |
| 2015 | Jamillah and Aladdin | Physician | TV Series |
| 2015 | Lazy Susan | Susan | Short Film |
| 2015 | Siyaya: Come Wild | Narrator | Documentary |
| 2016 | Detour | Hospital Receptionist | TV Series |
| 2020 | Queen Sono | Miriro Dube | TV Series |
| 2022 | Blood & Water | Thato | TV Series |
| 2023 | Supa Team 4 | Chi Mhende | TV Series |
| 2023 | Kizazi Moto | Additional Voice | TV Series |
| 2024 | White Lies | Pearl | TV Series |
| 2024 | Burns and Song | Lomala | TV Movie |
Awards and Nominations
| Award/Recognition | Year | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallbridge Award | 2003-2004 | Best Shakespearean Item | Won |
| AFDA Awards | 2008 | Best Actress | Won |
| Durban International Film Festival | 2014 | Best Actress | Won |
| African Movie Academy Awards | 2015 | Promising Young Artist | Nominated |
